Excerpt from Wayne Magazine, Fall 2006

Designing or redesigning a kitchen can be a daunting task, causing inconvenience and not a little expense. But the results can be well worth the time and money, especially with the help of professional designers and suppliers.

Wayne Magazine visited four local homes where the kitchens have been redesigned, upgraded in style and streamlined in function. The results, as you can see, are all different, because each new design reflects the taste of the homeowners, their lifestyles and needs.

[Click image at left for larger view.]

The creative designers who tackled these projects include interior designer Jacqui Germany, kitchen specialists Rich Graniere and Nick Salleroli, and designer Tom Santarsiero for Ulrich, Inc.

Germany, an experienced interior designer, established her company in 2001 in New York, and moved two years later to two New Jersey locations including one in nearby Montclair. She says homeowners can find qualified designers by consulting professional organizations, referral agencies or just talking with friends who have had interior work done. After meeting with potential clients and discussing their needs, she produces drawings and draftings to give them an idea of the amount of work.

In a new home, she says, an interior designer often works with architectural plans or sometimes the architect himself and makes any necessary interior modifications. Because licensed interior designers often have architectural training, they know building codes, how to make electrical floor plans and reposition walls. When redesigning an existing home, interior designers use that knowledge to break down walls, relocate appliances and reconfigure the space.

Movement and Flow (Photo Caption)

Sleek yet inviting, this kitchen, designed by Jacqui Germany for a Wayne homeowner, features ceramic tile floors, Black Galaxy granite countertops, a mosaic backsplash and maple cabinets with walls painted a cool celadon green.